Lag BaOmer is a fun and meaningful Jewish holiday that happens on the 33rd day of a special counting time between Passover and Shavuot, called the “Counting of the Omer.”

Why Do We Celebrate?
A long time ago, there was a great teacher named Rabbi Akiva. Many of his students got sick during a terrible plague—but on the 33rd day of the Omer, the sickness suddenly stopped. That’s one reason people celebrate.

Another reason is to honor a wise man named Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who taught deep Jewish ideas. He passed away on this day, and many people believe he brought light and wisdom to the world.

Is It a Holiday from School?
In some Jewish schools, yes! Kids might have the day off, or get to do something fun. But it’s not a public holiday in most places.

What Do People Do?

• Bonfires: Kids and families gather around big fires at night. It’s like a Jewish campfire party! The fire reminds people of the “light” Rabbi Shimon brought to the world.

• Bows and Arrows: Kids play with toy bows and arrows. This is a fun way to remember peace and hope—like the rainbow (or “keshet” in Hebrew) God sent after the flood in Noah’s story.

• Haircuts: In some Jewish communities, little boys who just turned three get their very first haircut on Lag BaOmer. It’s called an upsherin and is a big celebration with snacks and hugs.

Where Is It Big?
In Israel, especially near Rabbi Shimon’s tomb in Meron, there are huge parties with singing, dancing, and bonfires. In other countries, people celebrate in parks, schools, or synagogues.

What’s the Big Idea?
Lag BaOmer is about hope, learning, light, and joy—even when times are tough. It’s a break in a quiet time, and a chance to come together and celebrate Jewish life.

During the solemn Omer season, Lag B’Omer is a day that is notable for its joy, fire, music, and customs.

Bringing the Night to Life
The bonfire is the most iconic feature of Lag B’Omer. People congregate at night to light big fires in Jewish communities all over Israel and the world. These flames are said to represent the spiritual light brought into the world by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a great Jewish mystic whose death is commemorated on this day.

Mount Meron Pilgrimage
In northern Israel, Mount Meron becomes the center of attention. It’s the burial place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and each year, tens of thousands of people make a pilgrimage there. The atmosphere is electric—featuring live music, dancing, and prayers lasting all night.

Playing with Bows and Arrows
Children often take part in archery games using toy bows and arrows. The tradition ties back to a midrashic idea that no rainbows appeared during Rabbi Shimon’s lifetime, since he himself was a symbol of peace. Since the Hebrew word keshet means both “bow” and “rainbow,” the practice blends symbolism and play.

The First Tradition of Haircuts
Lag B’Omer is sometimes associated with a young boy’s first upsherin, or haircut. This rite of passage is typically celebrated with blessings and sweets by friends and family at the age of three.

Outdoor Recreation and Group Picnics
Lag B’Omer is often spent outside. Particularly in Israel, communities and schools plan parades, hikes, and picnics. In parks, you frequently see people grilling food and kids having fun in the springtime sun.

Lag BaOmer
Celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer holy period, Lag B´Omer (or Lag BaOmer) recalls great sages and ancient miracles.

Bonfires light up the night sky as part of Lag B´Omer festivities.

Is Lag B´Omer a Public Holiday?
While this is not a public holiday in the United States, some Jewish-run organizations are closed on this date.

When Is Lag B´Omer?
Lag B´Omer is celebrated on the 18th day of the month of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in May in the Gregorian calendar.

Counting of the Sheaves
The name refers to the 33rd day of the Omer, which is a counting period between Passover and Shavuot. According to Leviticus, God commanded people to bring a sheaf of barley for 50 days. This ritual became known as the “Counting of the Omer.”

The 33rd day became special possibly because of an ancient spring festival, or because it marked the end of a deadly plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students in the 2nd century CE.

Bonfires and Bows
Bonfires symbolize spiritual light and the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage. Others link the fire tradition to European May Day customs.

In Israel, huge celebrations are held at Rabbi Shimon’s tomb in Meron, with singing, dancing, and feasting.

Children play with bows and arrows to recall the rainbow (keshet) sent by God after the flood, as a sign of hope.

A Ritual Haircut
The upsherin is a traditional first haircut given to three-year-old boys on Lag B´Omer, especially in Hasidic communities. Hair cutting is normally forbidden during the Omer period, but allowed on this day.

Jewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel
In the diaspora, most holidays are observed for an extra day due to ancient communication delays in announcing the new month. This practice continues today for most holidays except Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana.

Lag BaOmer in Other Countries
Jewish communities worldwide observe this day with bonfires, picnics, and outdoor games, even if it is not a public holiday.